I just read Stan's entry on his experience facilitating in Edmonton. I just had what seems like a somewhat similar experience. This group was a mix of new and experienced teachers and administrators. Before we even began this group was keen in every way... as a group of like-minded teachers they rarely get to see each other partly due to the geographically distances between them and the excitement to collaborate, network, and grow their practice was contagious!
I also noticed that on day 2 of the institute I stepped back a lot more and let the small working groups who were planning inquiry units, and PBLs go longer than I normally would. They were so engaged and the conversations were so rich that there was no reason to move them along. It is such a different energy when that planning time that is allocated to them in PD is seized and acted upon! With this group, there focus and energy came through with their participation in the Supportive Circle of Friends exercise. Again this is a place that with other groups some participants by day 2 afternoon have checked out but everyone was thoroughly engaged.
Innovations:
- This is the second time that I have had a group review their inquiry questions, and add another layer of sticky notes (a different colour is preferred) and this layer is called "directions". These are directions for the inquiry question that have come through the institute. This process gives participants and facilitator to reflect on what has been covered and what still remains. This was incredibly generative with this group.
At the end of the day, this group started planning for how they would stay in touch, advocate for a fall planning day to continue their professional inquiry, and potentially develop an environmental steering committee to push the school board to draft a stronger environmental board policy. Having 5 administrators in the room really helped push these processes along.
This is a group that I would love to continue to work with as they already have a foundation of transformative practice, are willing to take risks, and have a collegial supportive culture. This is very exciting for students in Superior Greenstone schools!
Drawbacks:
Many did not receive the survey link. Did it go to their junk mail? And I forgot to add it to the drive folder so they could just access that way. I collected emails and emailed those who didn't receive it and fingers crossed they fill out the survey. This ice storm in Toronto is delaying my flight home...I do home I get home tonight!his is
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